The Carolina Hurricanes are set to begin a back-to-back series at home against the Florida Panthers on Friday, January 16. The game will start at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network South or listened to on 99.9 The Fan and the Hurricanes App.
The Hurricanes currently lead the Metropolitan Division with a record of 28-15-4, totaling 60 points. In their last outing, they were shut out by the St. Louis Blues, losing 3-0. Goaltender Brandon Bussi made 28 saves in that game, marking only his third regulation loss in his NHL career.
This season, Carolina has faced Florida twice before. In both meetings, the Hurricanes lost after leading in the third period—first falling 4-3 in overtime and then losing 5-2.
Returning home after earning just one point during a two-game road trip earlier this week, head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s team is looking forward to playing at Lenovo Center for one night before heading back on the road. The Hurricanes have secured 16 wins at home this season, tying them for most among Eastern Conference teams, and have won their last three games at Lenovo Center.
With three days since their previous game, Carolina may choose either Frederik Andersen or Brandon Bussi as starting goaltender for Friday’s match-up. Both goalies are expected to play over the next two days due to consecutive games scheduled against New Jersey following Friday’s contest. Bussi has posted a record of 16-3-1 in his first 20 NHL starts and made a career-best 38 saves when these teams met in December.
On Florida’s side, the Panthers are seventh in the Atlantic Division with a record of 24-18-3 (51 points) and come into Raleigh having won their last two games while on an extended road trip away from South Florida. They continue to play without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk due to injuries but have seen veteran Brad Marchand lead with 46 points through 41 games this season. Sam Bennett has also increased his production recently after being left off Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
Injury updates for Carolina include defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere missing Thursday’s practice but possibly available for Friday according to Brind’Amour: “wasn’t feeling great,” but could be a possibility for tonight.” Jaccob Slavin returned to practice as part of injury rehab protocol but has not played both halves of any back-to-back sets so far this season. William Carrier practiced Thursday after missing two games with a lower-body injury; Brind’Amour said he is “hopeful” Carrier can return against Florida tonight.
Noah Philp remains out under concussion protocol since January 6 and has missed four straight games. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is set for hip surgery and was declared unavailable by Brind’Amour on December 29th. Defenseman Charles Alexis Legault continues recovery from hand surgery performed November 10th and is expected out three to four months.
For Friday’s game against Florida, Carolina will wear red uniforms as per their published uniform schedule.
After facing Florida at home, the Hurricanes will travel immediately post-game to New Jersey for another matchup Saturday night before returning home Monday afternoon versus Buffalo.
